Have you ever sung “rain, rain go away; come again another day” before going hiking?
But if you get a rain poncho for hiking, you can rather enjoy the smell and sound of the rain while you hit the trails.
No matter how waterproof your backpack is, you always want to make sure it doesn’t get wet because no one wants to travel or camp with wet clothes and necessary gears.
Things get a lot more hassle less when you consider getting a rain poncho for backpacking.
But the question is, which one to get?
To make things easy, here are the reviews of the top 8 best rain poncho for hiking and traveling along with a definitive buying guide.
Why You Need A Rain Poncho For Hiking?
Why should you get a poncho when you already have a rain jacket? This is the most commonly asked question on this topic. For traveling and hiking, a poncho offers more benefits than a rain jacket.
- It doesn’t let you get soaked in the rain. You will enjoy every bit of the adventure.
- The fabrics of ponchos are quite larger than jackets, you can easily wear one with having your backpack on.
- Ponchos are windproof and keep you warm against chilly weather when you hike at night. Also, it’s great for ventilation as well and doesn’t get stuffy.
- Check Wearing a poncho doesn’t add that much extra weight compared to a rain jacket.
- Check The snap under the armpits keeps you dry for longer.
- A long hood is perfect to cover around your face and protect you from cold wind and rain.
- Although ponchos are waterproof, it allows you to breathe naturally.
Read Also – Best Home Weather Station
Comparison of 8 Best Rain Ponchos For Backpacking and Hiking
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Our top Pick
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Terra Hiker Waterproof Rain Ponchos
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5 Pack Emergency Rain Ponchos
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BAleaf light running rain jacket
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Antvee Reusable Rain Ponchos
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Anyoo waterproof rain poncho
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REDCAMP Waterproof Rain Poncho
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The Clean Explorer Disposable Rain Ponchos
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TRIWONDER Reflective Backpack Rain Poncho
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Top 8 Best Rain Poncho
We have gathered the top 8 best rain ponchos for travel and hiking purposes considering their ways of making your survival easy when it rains and you are on the trail.
Terra Hiker Waterproof Rain Ponchos
The first poncho on the list is specially designed for participating in light outdoor activities such as walking, picnic, and light hiking.
Terra hiker rain poncho is made of light material but works pretty well when there is a heavy downpour.
210T high-density polyester fabrics are quite lightweight and more durable compared to ponchos within this price range. You will find it pretty beefy and can survive abuses to some extent at ease.
This waterproof poncho has grommet holes around all four corners so that you can stake it down and use it as an emergency shelter or a picnic blanket.
However, it’s not a good idea to use the poncho for this purpose exclusively because it will shorten its lifespan.
But you can use it as a replacement for any part of your tent; it will add some extra weight.
As it’s a poncho for hiking, it can easily accommodate a big-sized backpack when you are going hiking, camping, or picnic.
The poncho is large enough on the backside to be able to protect your backpack from the weather.
Without a doubt, it’s waterproof. But the question is to what extent? Well, for your kind information, this poncho is waterproof to PU3000mm.
It provides enough ventilation compared to puffy raincoats. Due to a fewer junctions, there is no chance of entering water inside of it.
Terra has made this poncho breeze-free and windproof as a protection to your body from extreme windy situations.
The hood fits snugly around the head without an issue. Thickened eyelets provide further durability and security as well.
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What Users Are Saying
TKASU Emergency Rain Ponchos, Disposable Extra Thick Rain Gear
If you are looking for a disposable rain poncho for hiking without compromising the quality, KASU has a great deal for you. It’s a package of a total of 5 disposable ponchos and costs way less.
Each one of them is packed in individual bags which you can easily put inside your pocket and handbag.
Although you are paying less, the poncho is very thick. It’s 30% thicker than most other disposable ponchos within this price range.
You are getting a poncho, so there is no doubt about the waterproofing benefit.
The manufacturer asks you to refund their product if you find it not being waterproof.
Thin ponchos tend to warp and stick to the body when you wear them.
But this is not the case with this thicker one. Its extra thickness prevents it from warping around your skin.
As you can easily keep this poncho with you inside the pocket or in a bag, there will be no sudden and unprepared rainy situation.
The waterproof poncho protects you from the extreme wind as well.
No matter whether you are in an amusement park or going hiking or camping, or doing outdoor activities, you can instantly bring the poncho out just after rainwater hits you.
If you are thinking about getting one for Marathon, it will easily last the entire course.
How about I say, one poncho to rule them all! These ponchos come in one size that fits both men or women, boys or girls, adult or youth.
Its attached hood and elastic cuff make it even more convenient to use.
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What Users Are Saying
Liked the functionality of these, lightweight, compact and functional
Without the bulkiness of the rain coat.
BALEAF Men’s Waterproof Cycling Running Rain Jacket
If you are looking for a disposable rain poncho for hiking without compromising the quality, KASU has a great deal for you. It’s a package of a total of 5 disposable ponchos and costs way less.
Each one of them is packed in individual bags which you can easily put inside your pocket and handbag.
Although you are paying less, the poncho is very thick. It’s 30% thicker than most other disposable ponchos within this price range.
You are getting a poncho, so there is no doubt about the waterproofing benefit.
The manufacturer asks you to refund their product if you find it not being waterproof.
Thin ponchos tend to warp and stick to the body when you wear them.
But this is not the case with this thicker one. Its extra thickness prevents it from warping around your skin.
As you can easily keep this poncho with you inside the pocket or in a bag, there will be no sudden and unprepared rainy situation.
The poncho protects you from the extreme wind as well.
No matter whether you are in an amusement park or going hiking or camping, or doing outdoor activities, you can instantly bring the poncho out just after rainwater hits you.
If you are thinking about getting one for Marathon, it will easily last the entire course.
How about I say, one poncho to rule them all! These ponchos come in one size that fits both men or women, boys or girls, adult or youth.
Its attached hood and elastic cuff make it even more convenient to use.
Say hello to the first rain jacket on the list. It’s a men’s rain jacket and the design is suitable for both men and women.
Baleaf products are well-known for their quality material and affordability. This 100% nylon-made jacket stands quite well against a perfect rain poncho for travel.
The jacket is water-resistant, not waterproof; which means you will need to clean it so that it doesn’t deteriorate and clog over time.
It comes with a funnel-shaped hood which you can adjust through drawstring if you need to tight or loosen it. Due to this hood, it’s more than a jacket and almost like a poncho.
As the hood is quite large, it’s not recommended to get if wind or drafts is the primary issue for you after rain.
Besides, the hood comes with a reflective logo which is a great advantage in the case when you use it at night in high-traffic areas.
The manufacturer made this jacket providing elastic cuffs that help a lot to keep the jacket dry and keep you warm by preventing water from getting inside the jacket.
You don’t go outside without taking your gears. Baleaf had this concern too. There are two zipper pockets in front of the jacket and another one on the backside for storage.
The back pocket allows you to roll and pack the jacket in it and make it a lot easier to carry this thing whenever you go.
Note that, it’s not recommended for extreme weather conditions.
If you are looking for a rain jacket with a poncho-style hood for going to a picnic, morning walk, or an outdoor stadium, this is one of the best budget options to get.
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ANTVEE Rain Ponchos 2 Packs for Adults with Drawstring Hood
Rain ponchos are great for quick protection against the rain in emergencies. They come quite handy when you are doing outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, touring, or even traveling and all of a sudden there are clouds on the horizon and it begins to rain.
If you don’t want to spend much on a raincoat or jacket and are looking for an emergency solution for rain before going to a theme park, picnic, camping or hiking, consider getting these 2-packs rain ponchos from Antvee.
It’s lightweight and easy to carry wherever you go. Weighing just about 6oz., it will not ruin your enjoyable vacation day.
Unlike cheap rain jackets, it’s not water resistant; rather, it’s waterproof. That means there will be no issue with the water getting in.
The hood is large enough to entirely cover your head along with most of the part of your face. This is something you don’t get with jackets.
One of the main reasons why tourists prefer ponchos over jackets is because a poncho smartly accommodates a large backpack without making you wet.
This waterproof poncho is large enough to cover you and your backpack while you are hiking or going for camping.
All the valuable gears inside the backpack will not even come close to the rainwater.
The material used for making the poncho is sturdy allowing you to reuse it several times without any issue.
Also, the breathable (EVA) material doesn’t make you sweat while wearing it. Rather, it will keep you dry providing enough ventilation.
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What Users Are Saying
Anyoo Waterproof Military Rain Poncho
This military-grade poncho can provide you with some serious protection against rain regardless of what outdoor activities you are doing.
To ensure the best protection you can get, Anyoo made this poncho with a single piece of complete cloth.
The poncho is made of 210T ripstop nylon fabric with PVC coating. PU3000MM waterproof completely prevents water from entering in.
It’s durable enough to repellent water and resists tearing and abrasion.
One of the best things about using a poncho is, your face gets protection along with your body.
The poncho comes with a hood which you can adjust with a cord. You can easily make the necessary adjustment until it perfectly covers your face.
The hood is sewn with a single piece of nylon fabric. To prevent leaking, the overlock is properly sealed with good quality glue.
Unlike rain jackets, ponchos are very comfortable to wear because they provide better ventilation.
This poncho will not make you feel warm when you wear it because there are armholes and the bottom is loose enough to allow the air to circulate.
It is large enough to cover you along with your large backpack. Even with the backpack, you will be able to wear it and move comfortably.
Additionally, you can also adjust the side fasteners and the hood to suit your needs.
The poncho is lightweight and weighs only 10 oz. You can take it with you without any hassle and open it from the drawstring bag and wear it whenever you need and store it away into the bag again.
During your camping, it can also be used as a camping tarp, groundsheet as well.
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REDCAMP Waterproof Rain Poncho
If you are planning for your next tour or camping trip with a large backpack and looking for a rain poncho to tackle rainy situations, look no further.
This rain poncho from Redcamp is large enough to prevent rainwater from getting inside of your backpack and making contact with your body.
With such a large space, it can be the best rain poncho for backpacking to get for your next tour.
The product is designed for men to do various outdoor activities without worrying about the weather.
One can use it like a raincoat, a waterproof picnic mat, a tarp shelter in the camp, and many more.
It’s available in 6 different colors. There is a camouflage edition of it for the campers in the jungle. No matter for what reason you are looking for a poncho, the colors can easily suit your condition and taste.
The poncho is made of PU and it prevents water from getting in due to its waterproof factor. All sealed seams caulking treatment further ensures there is no leak and space available for the water.
As I have said earlier, the poncho is large enough to accommodate a large backpack without much trouble. You can rest assured that you will not get wet even with your huge backpack on the way to hiking.
With an unfolded width of 95-inches, it’s quite large to use it as a ground mat and tarp shelter.
The length for hiking is about 55-inches. You can easily fold it into a compact size. It weighs only 0.65lbs. which is exceptionally lightweight and you will barely add more weight to your backpack.
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The Clean Explorer Disposable Rain Ponchos
Planning for going on a tour with your friends and colleagues any time soon? If there is a chance of raining, you need to make sure that all your gears along with the backpack don’t get soaked in the rain.
To prevent your day from ruining, you can consider buying this package that comes with 4 adult size ponchos.
The fabric is of PE material and it doesn’t get ripped off easily likewise the conventional ponchos.
It’s 40-inches long and 50-inches wide which easily fits a 6’ tall person with having a small size backpack.
The poncho doesn’t require much of the space to keep it. Each one of the resealable packages is 7×5-inches and easily fits to a pocket, purse, and a small pocket of a backpack. Why carry an umbrella when you have such a smart option?
Although you are paying much less, there will be no compromise when it’s about waterproofing.
The products are made of biodegradable material which is 100% waterproof and keep you and the backpack dry throughout the day. The fabric dries quickly as well.
It’s environment-friendly and allows you to breathe comfortably. You will not feel warm and sweaty when you wear it even for a long time and can enjoy your outdoor activities without any issue.
To protect your head and neck from water droplets, the hood includes a drawstring which provides perfect fitting around the face as well.
The most fun factor about this package is, the ponchos come in four different colors.
With all these benefits, it’s certainly the best rain poncho for survival to a quick tour.
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What Users Are Saying
TRIWONDER Reflective Backpack Rain Poncho
The last item is from Triwonder and it is the most durable and the best rain poncho on the list. This rugged poncho is made of 200T polyester taffeta which is pretty sturdy to survive serious abuses.
The fabric is reflective, so if you are in a low light condition, it will not be hard for other people to detect you.
With 5000mm waterproof, it has some serious ability to protect you from heavy rainfall. As the poncho is made for the toughest hiking, traveling purposes; you will get well-secured protection.
It has 360° reflective stripes on both arms and waist ensuring you walk safely during the nights.
The hood has got extended transparent TPU brim design that prevents water from entering your eyes and face ensuring you have a better field view while you walk down the trail.
You can further adjust it with a flexible string on the waist.
As I have said before, this poncho isn’t a toy. It’s made for accompanying tourists to their toughest journeys.
The manufacturer also implemented the elastic design on the sleeve openings to ensure good protection from the extreme windy condition.
When it comes to cover your backpack, this is the best rain poncho for backpacking that you can get. It comes with a separate section for the backpack.
When you wear it carrying a huge size backpack, the poncho will not raise high from its total length. You also have the option to completely hide this backpack section.
Even with a backpack, its large tail makes you move comfortably with the necessary amount of walking space.
You will have full control over air circulation with its double zipper function. When you need more airflow to come, simply unzip it, and when you need a warm hug, zip it.
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What to Look for Before Buying Rain Poncho For Hiking?
When you are about to purchase the best rain ponchos, be sure to look for these key things.
1. Material
The material is the most essential thing in rain ponchos. Factors like durability, waterproofing, weight, air circulation largely depend on the material. Ponchos are made of the following materials –
Sil-Poly and Sil-Nylon materials are inexpensive and commonly used. They are saturated with silicone and create durable and waterproof fabric.
Breathable laminate fabrics are made of sandwich nylon exteriors and have underlying layers allowing water vapor to pass outward. This material is waterproof as well.
Cuben fiber ponchos are the most lightweight waterproof fabric. But this material easily tears. It is not recommended for kids.
PVC-made ponchos are the most inexpensive ones. Even though a PVC plastic rubbery poncho easily tears, you can repair it using duct tape.
PU Coated Nylon has nylon fabric on its outside, and on the other hand, waterproof polyurethane on the inside. In humid weather, ponchos are of this material feel sticky and clammy.
2. Waterproof and Windproof
Although rain ponchos offer protection against rain, not all of them are waterproof. Some ponchos are just water-resistant and work well only for light rainfall.
There are various levels of waterproofing. Ponchos with PU5000mm are the most secure ones.
Most of the good quality ponchos have PU3000mm waterproof which is enough and doesn’t allow the water to get in.
Having a windproof poncho will protect you from extreme wind and keep you warm during cold nights. So, look for this feature as well.
3. Fit Sizes
In general, ponchos are quite bigger than conventional rain jackets and coats. But, you don’t want to wear a poncho which is too large to fit more than one person and too constricting on the other hand.
Therefore, choose best rain ponchos according to your height and width.
4. Hood
Having a hood with a poncho isn’t just enough. Make sure the hood comes with drawstring adjustment so that your hair and face don’t soak in rainwater.
5. Space for Backpack
More or less, every poncho can accommodate backpacks quite well. But not all of them are able to cover large-size backpacks.
So, before making your purchase, make sure whether the poncho is suitable for the size of your backpack or not.
Another thing to take care of is how far the poncho raises when you wear it with a backpack on. It should have enough length on the back to perfectly cover a backpack without looking weird.
6. Other Features
Best quality ponchos come with useful features like zippers, pockets, hoods with drawstrings, vents, and storage bags.
Rain Ponchos Vs Jackets
Although best rain ponchos and rain jackets are primarily used for the same reason, there are significant differences between them in the way how they function.
Rain Ponchos
Rain ponchos cover an individual up to his or her mid-thigh area and stay open from the bottom end for providing air circulation. It takes a very short time to put on and off.
Windproof ponchos keep people warm and protected from the chilly wind. So, a rain poncho comes great in the cases of both air ventilation and protection from wind.
One of the most common reasons why people prefer rain ponchos over raincoats is due to the large space for accommodating backpack.
Ponchos are long enough on the back to easily cover a backpack along with a person. If you don’t want your important gears to get soaked, a rain poncho is all you need.
Rain ponchos are very lightweight and don’t add much weight to the backpack.
Disposable ponchos come in a packet that you can put inside your pocket, purse, and even on a small pocket of your backpack. And they are very convenient to store.
Rain Jackets
On the other hand, rain jackets fit like ordinary fitting jackets. But they provide great protection against rain compared to rain ponchos.
If you wear a rain jacket with a pant, there will be less chance for water to get inside. You will get total coverage against the rain.
However, a rain jacket only cares about you and doesn’t bother protecting your backpack. You cannot wear a rain jacket with having a backpack on.
That’s the biggest disadvantage of rain jackets.
In case of an emergency, you cannot wear a rain jacket as fast as a poncho. It takes longer to get ready. Rain jackets are heavier than rain ponchos.
Although they are great for keeping you warm, there will be quite less ventilation.
Rain jackets are way more durable than ponchos and last longer.
Rain ponchos are great for providing an emergency solution, and mostly, you can wear for several times if the quality is good.
But with rain jackets, you can rest assured about its longevity.
If you compare the price, a poncho is the more inexpensive option to go with. Considering a temporary solution, getting a poncho is the most cost-effective one.
On the other hand, if you want to invest in getting longer service and don’t need any protection for your backpack while on the go then consider getting a rain jacket.
Frequently Asked Questions
The poncho refers to a sleeveless garment without sewn sides and has space for the head to go through. The origin of this type of garment is in South America.
Ponchos are made of water-light material such as nylon, polyester, PVC, poly. These materials are waterproof and keep the body dry from rain when someone wears it. Due to the material, ponchos feel quite light and its large size makes very comfortable to move while wearing it.
There is no restriction of what to wear and what not to wear under a poncho. However, you can always try to have a better appearance while wearing such a transparent garment.
You can wear an outfit of one color, for example; all black, all blue. Make sure you wear rain boots. If the weather is warm, you can wear a light poncho with shorts and wedge sandals. Wearing a hat would be much better than pulling the hood over your head in such weather.
Hang your nylon rain poncho in an air-conditioned or heated room for about 20 minutes. Always make it dry before you store it. Although it’s mildew resistant, it can develop mildew in some conditions.
A rain poncho would be the best option for hiking as it requires you to carry a backpack. You will feel more comfortable if you need to walk for prolonged hours.
Amazon Recommended Rain Poncho
Final Words
The weather is unpredictable. But that doesn’t mean rain can ruin your vacation. Having a rain poncho for survival keeps you and your belongings dry no matter how hard it’s raining.
